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Trasker #1
Night Owl
A shocking act of sabotage draws a retired spy into a deadly conspiracy in an explosive thriller by an Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.
After three decades in counterintelligence, Brad Trasker is retired, disillusioned, and dealing with a tragic loss. Spy games are behind him until he attends the launch of a next-generation aircraft. When the project of innovative aerospace CEO Kylie Connor explodes on the tarmac―nearly killing her in the process―Trasker is pulled back into the line of fire.
The mystery of the sabotage quickly deepens. All Kylie’s data has been wiped from the server. One of her engineers has disappeared. A seed investor has died in a suspicious car accident. And a cold-blooded murder raises the stakes even higher.
To discover who’s pulling the strings behind a dangerous conspiracy, Trasker needs to find a motive. Corporate espionage, revenge, or something he can’t yet see? Targeted by assassins, he finds himself overmatched when he realizes he can’t trust anyone―including Kylie. Too long out of a game he no longer understands, Trasker must adapt or die.
After three decades in counterintelligence, Brad Trasker is retired, disillusioned, and dealing with a tragic loss. Spy games are behind him until he attends the launch of a next-generation aircraft. When the project of innovative aerospace CEO Kylie Connor explodes on the tarmac―nearly killing her in the process―Trasker is pulled back into the line of fire.
The mystery of the sabotage quickly deepens. All Kylie’s data has been wiped from the server. One of her engineers has disappeared. A seed investor has died in a suspicious car accident. And a cold-blooded murder raises the stakes even higher.
To discover who’s pulling the strings behind a dangerous conspiracy, Trasker needs to find a motive. Corporate espionage, revenge, or something he can’t yet see? Targeted by assassins, he finds himself overmatched when he realizes he can’t trust anyone―including Kylie. Too long out of a game he no longer understands, Trasker must adapt or die.
315 pages, Paperback
First published October 17, 2023
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8123 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 594 reviews
October 24, 2023
2.5 stars, rounded up
I’ve been a fan of both Andrew Mayne’s Underwater Investigation and The Naturalist series, so I was curious about this new series he was starting. Trasker is a retired spy. He’s still dealing with the tragic death of his college aged son. In an unbelievable setup, he meets the young CEO of a startup company looking to create the next generation aircraft. She invites him to the launch event during which the craft explodes. It’s a miracle no one is killed. She explains about all the mysterious events that have been occurring and hires him.
Trasker was a weird sort of character that I never got really comfortable with. He came across as some sort of aging James Bond character, capable of finding ten different ways to kill someone. But also, rusty and open to mistakes. And his habit of having to “place” people into his memory palaces based on books he’s read just irritated me. Because he does it ALL THE TIME. I get that Mayne is trying to define his character. But this got old really quickly. Kylie, on the other hand, was a fun character. Smart, gutsy, a woman used to playing in a man’s world. “I also know that a young girl with revenge in her heart who grows up to be a woman who never lets it go will not be deterred.”
The plot itself is totally unbelievable, but that’s true of most spy thrillers. And it gets more and more unbelievable as the story progresses. It’s mildly entertaining and I was invested enough to see how it all plays out. It’s a fast paced story and Trasker is always on the move and in one tight spot or another. There are some interesting points made about the old days of spying vs. current times with crypto currency and the plethora of players.
I’ll be happy to read more of the Underwater Investigation series. But I won’t be returning to this one.
My thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of this book.
I’ve been a fan of both Andrew Mayne’s Underwater Investigation and The Naturalist series, so I was curious about this new series he was starting. Trasker is a retired spy. He’s still dealing with the tragic death of his college aged son. In an unbelievable setup, he meets the young CEO of a startup company looking to create the next generation aircraft. She invites him to the launch event during which the craft explodes. It’s a miracle no one is killed. She explains about all the mysterious events that have been occurring and hires him.
Trasker was a weird sort of character that I never got really comfortable with. He came across as some sort of aging James Bond character, capable of finding ten different ways to kill someone. But also, rusty and open to mistakes. And his habit of having to “place” people into his memory palaces based on books he’s read just irritated me. Because he does it ALL THE TIME. I get that Mayne is trying to define his character. But this got old really quickly. Kylie, on the other hand, was a fun character. Smart, gutsy, a woman used to playing in a man’s world. “I also know that a young girl with revenge in her heart who grows up to be a woman who never lets it go will not be deterred.”
The plot itself is totally unbelievable, but that’s true of most spy thrillers. And it gets more and more unbelievable as the story progresses. It’s mildly entertaining and I was invested enough to see how it all plays out. It’s a fast paced story and Trasker is always on the move and in one tight spot or another. There are some interesting points made about the old days of spying vs. current times with crypto currency and the plethora of players.
I’ll be happy to read more of the Underwater Investigation series. But I won’t be returning to this one.
My thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of this book.
December 19, 2023
My first book by this author and it turned out to be a spy thriller - my kind of book. The main character is Brad Trasker who has had a career in espionage but is now retired. However events occur which draw him back into the business.
This was a fast paced story with so many tricks and turns that I really had to concentrate to keep up. Trasker was able to call in favors and use his extensive knowledge from the past and this ultimately saves his own life. I particularly enjoyed the character of Trasker's mother and I hope she plays good sized roles in future books.
Of course it was all unbelievable and over the top but all the best books in this genre are! I will be looking out for more by this author.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book
This was a fast paced story with so many tricks and turns that I really had to concentrate to keep up. Trasker was able to call in favors and use his extensive knowledge from the past and this ultimately saves his own life. I particularly enjoyed the character of Trasker's mother and I hope she plays good sized roles in future books.
Of course it was all unbelievable and over the top but all the best books in this genre are! I will be looking out for more by this author.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book
October 31, 2025
I've been a in a reading slump for a bit and one of the ways I sometimes can break myself out is by jumping genres. I have enjoyed Mayne's Underwater Investigation Unit series, so I thought I'd give this a shot. It was entertaining enough. I didn't particularly appreciate the opening chapter from a couple of hired killer's point of view. It is a cheap technique to up the emotional stakes (killing a woman for money!) before we even meet the main characters. Aside from that it did a great job of staying on task and keeping the narrative focused on the hero-protagonist viewpoint (empathetically not a grey moral character).
This is a new series for Mayne, with a man who has retired from an unnamed agency struggling with loss of a child. While I mostly bought into the 'retirement' angle, for better or for worse, the grief angle felt mostly for plot purposes, providing a way for the main characters to meet and a reason for Trasker to get involved. This feels like Mayne's attempt at writing an airport thriller akin to Lee Childs or... or who escapes me, because I don't usually read spy thrillers. When I want something easily digestible, I tend towards the lone detective thrillers, so I'm a little out of my wheelhouse. I thought it escalated nicely, though i found the last quarter of the book increasingly bizarre.
I've found Mayne to be a decent writer, good at building scene and structuring plot. Usually his cast of characters are decent, with the main character getting the most development, but here, Trasker remains largely unknown. This extends to the rest of the cast as well. When things start happening, as they always do, it's hard to feel much consequence or loss. It feels like a missed opportunity to bring something deeper into the story.
At the end of the day, this has solid vibes of a decently written airport thriller, spy subcategory. I wasn't impressed enough to pick up another Trasker and will instead return to his Underwater Investigation series.
Two and a half stars, rounding down.
This is a new series for Mayne, with a man who has retired from an unnamed agency struggling with loss of a child. While I mostly bought into the 'retirement' angle, for better or for worse, the grief angle felt mostly for plot purposes, providing a way for the main characters to meet and a reason for Trasker to get involved. This feels like Mayne's attempt at writing an airport thriller akin to Lee Childs or... or who escapes me, because I don't usually read spy thrillers. When I want something easily digestible, I tend towards the lone detective thrillers, so I'm a little out of my wheelhouse. I thought it escalated nicely, though i found the last quarter of the book increasingly bizarre.
I've found Mayne to be a decent writer, good at building scene and structuring plot. Usually his cast of characters are decent, with the main character getting the most development, but here, Trasker remains largely unknown. This extends to the rest of the cast as well. When things start happening, as they always do, it's hard to feel much consequence or loss. It feels like a missed opportunity to bring something deeper into the story.
At the end of the day, this has solid vibes of a decently written airport thriller, spy subcategory. I wasn't impressed enough to pick up another Trasker and will instead return to his Underwater Investigation series.
Two and a half stars, rounding down.
October 16, 2024
3.5 stars.
It's not a game where you have to be two steps ahead. You have to be writing the rules of the game."
In this first book of a new series by the ever-popular author of action, mystery, and suspense, Andrew Mayne, we are introduced to the main character, Brad Trasker. Brad is a retired spy and security specialist. He is brought out of retirement by a young female billionaire, Kylie Conner, who is the CEO of an aerospace startup business. Her company is plagued with problems. Some of the data on the servers has been wiped out, an engineer is missing, an investor is killed in a car accident, and someone has attempted to blowup her new fully autonomous hydrogen powered jet right before a test flight and almost taking Kylie with it. Now it is Trasker's job to find and stop whoever is behind the sabotage.
I've enjoyed reading at least a few other books in each of this author's other series: The Naturalist, Jessica Blackwood, and The Underwater Investigation Unit series. (The last one being my favorite.) Unfortunately, this story seemed to lack the suspense and flow that I am used to in his other books. There are a lot of characters in this book, but I felt like I really didn't get to know any of them very well, including Trasker. Also, Trasker's adherence to a mind game for memory that he uses when looking for clues seemed somewhat strange and not the right piece in this crime solving puzzle or maybe it was just in the repetitive delivery of the process.
This series may appeal to readers who love suspense novels dealing in espionage, sabotage, and subterfuge. Next on my TBR list is the second book in this series.
It's not a game where you have to be two steps ahead. You have to be writing the rules of the game."
In this first book of a new series by the ever-popular author of action, mystery, and suspense, Andrew Mayne, we are introduced to the main character, Brad Trasker. Brad is a retired spy and security specialist. He is brought out of retirement by a young female billionaire, Kylie Conner, who is the CEO of an aerospace startup business. Her company is plagued with problems. Some of the data on the servers has been wiped out, an engineer is missing, an investor is killed in a car accident, and someone has attempted to blowup her new fully autonomous hydrogen powered jet right before a test flight and almost taking Kylie with it. Now it is Trasker's job to find and stop whoever is behind the sabotage.
I've enjoyed reading at least a few other books in each of this author's other series: The Naturalist, Jessica Blackwood, and The Underwater Investigation Unit series. (The last one being my favorite.) Unfortunately, this story seemed to lack the suspense and flow that I am used to in his other books. There are a lot of characters in this book, but I felt like I really didn't get to know any of them very well, including Trasker. Also, Trasker's adherence to a mind game for memory that he uses when looking for clues seemed somewhat strange and not the right piece in this crime solving puzzle or maybe it was just in the repetitive delivery of the process.
This series may appeal to readers who love suspense novels dealing in espionage, sabotage, and subterfuge. Next on my TBR list is the second book in this series.
September 24, 2023
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Andrew Mayne, and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Long a fan of Andrew Mayne, I eagerly accepted this book, which begins an exciting new series. A retired American spy finds himself pulled back into the life when he witnesses a prototype airplane explode and the CEO barely escape death. Brad Trasker may have a unique way of keeping things organised, but he’s top-notch when it comes to deducing plans and how things fit together. As he pulls himself deeper into the investigation, Trasker uncovers just how deep things run. A great start by Mayne that is sure to keep readers pushing on.
After serving his country for many years, Brad Trasker is retired from the world of espionage, with a number of regrets to add to his resumé. After being invited to a next-gen aircraft launch, Trasker finds himself chatting with the company CEO, Kylie Connor. Soon thereafter, the aircraft explodes and Connor is almost engulfed in the flames. Something’s happened and mechanical error does not seem plausible.
Connor immediately pulls Trasker in to help identify what’s happened and who might be behind the explosion. The mystery gains some momentum when Trasker digs a little deeper and finds that the aircraft is not entirely unique, in that it has tied to old Soviet-era plans. All of Connor’s data is missing and some close to her on the investment side turn up dead. With a missing engineer to add to the mix, Trasker will have to pull on all he knows, and a great deal that he does not, to piece things together.
With motive still very diluted, Trasker combs through data and follow some leads in order to make sense of everything, all while being forced to watch his back. Is this the Russians, the Chinese? Could there be a domestic angle? Trasker will stop at nothing to make sense of it all as he tries to keep Kylie Connor alive for as long ad the investigation takes. Mayne at his best in this powerful new series!
Andrew Mayne has a variety of life experiences, using them to fill his writing and pull the reader into the middle. I have quite enjoyed some of his past work, so I was ready to fully commit to this new series. Mayne takes his time to develop things with ease, laying the groundwork in a strong narrative and decent characters, before taking the plunge for all to truly see his abilities. With Brad Trasker and his unique take on memory compartmentalisation, Mayne has developed a character about whom the reader will want to learn over time. Plots develop and weave through action, mystery, and espionage genres to get to the heart of the matter. Mayne’s use of titled rather than numbered chapters provides the reader with a chance to get lost in the writing and novels be fully aware of where things are headed. I highly enjoy this type of story and hope to see Brad Trasker back again soon, for all to enjoy!
Kudos, Mr. Mayne, for expanding your abilities and series reach yet again.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Be sure to check for my review, first posted on Mystery and Suspense, as well as a number of other insightful comments by other reviewers.
https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/ni...
Long a fan of Andrew Mayne, I eagerly accepted this book, which begins an exciting new series. A retired American spy finds himself pulled back into the life when he witnesses a prototype airplane explode and the CEO barely escape death. Brad Trasker may have a unique way of keeping things organised, but he’s top-notch when it comes to deducing plans and how things fit together. As he pulls himself deeper into the investigation, Trasker uncovers just how deep things run. A great start by Mayne that is sure to keep readers pushing on.
After serving his country for many years, Brad Trasker is retired from the world of espionage, with a number of regrets to add to his resumé. After being invited to a next-gen aircraft launch, Trasker finds himself chatting with the company CEO, Kylie Connor. Soon thereafter, the aircraft explodes and Connor is almost engulfed in the flames. Something’s happened and mechanical error does not seem plausible.
Connor immediately pulls Trasker in to help identify what’s happened and who might be behind the explosion. The mystery gains some momentum when Trasker digs a little deeper and finds that the aircraft is not entirely unique, in that it has tied to old Soviet-era plans. All of Connor’s data is missing and some close to her on the investment side turn up dead. With a missing engineer to add to the mix, Trasker will have to pull on all he knows, and a great deal that he does not, to piece things together.
With motive still very diluted, Trasker combs through data and follow some leads in order to make sense of everything, all while being forced to watch his back. Is this the Russians, the Chinese? Could there be a domestic angle? Trasker will stop at nothing to make sense of it all as he tries to keep Kylie Connor alive for as long ad the investigation takes. Mayne at his best in this powerful new series!
Andrew Mayne has a variety of life experiences, using them to fill his writing and pull the reader into the middle. I have quite enjoyed some of his past work, so I was ready to fully commit to this new series. Mayne takes his time to develop things with ease, laying the groundwork in a strong narrative and decent characters, before taking the plunge for all to truly see his abilities. With Brad Trasker and his unique take on memory compartmentalisation, Mayne has developed a character about whom the reader will want to learn over time. Plots develop and weave through action, mystery, and espionage genres to get to the heart of the matter. Mayne’s use of titled rather than numbered chapters provides the reader with a chance to get lost in the writing and novels be fully aware of where things are headed. I highly enjoy this type of story and hope to see Brad Trasker back again soon, for all to enjoy!
Kudos, Mr. Mayne, for expanding your abilities and series reach yet again.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Be sure to check for my review, first posted on Mystery and Suspense, as well as a number of other insightful comments by other reviewers.
https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/ni...
February 3, 2025
3 1/2 rounded up to 4 stars.
November 16, 2023
3.5 Stars
Night Owl is the first book in a new series called TRASKER, featuring a "brought out of retirement" Brad Trasker, who was formerly a counterintelligence spy and security expert. When the project of innovative aerospace CEO Kylie Connor explodes on the tarmac, nearly killing her in the process, Trasker is pulled back into the line of fire.
I was so excited to see a new series by Mr. Mayne because I love his Underwater Investigation Unit series, and also his Theo Cray and Jessica Blackwood series! Night Owl has a rapid pace and is filled with sabotage, assassins, missing data, security breaches, a missing engineer, a dead investor, and more. Too long out of a game he no longer understands, Trasker must adapt or die.
My only issue was with the descriptions that seemed to go on forever, as I felt my eyes glazing over. I believe I just wasn't the right audience for Night Owl. (Just call me Ms. Outlier!) I have to say, though, my favorite character, hands down, was Trasker's mom!!
Many thanks to both Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Night Owl, by Andrew Mayne.
Night Owl is the first book in a new series called TRASKER, featuring a "brought out of retirement" Brad Trasker, who was formerly a counterintelligence spy and security expert. When the project of innovative aerospace CEO Kylie Connor explodes on the tarmac, nearly killing her in the process, Trasker is pulled back into the line of fire.
I was so excited to see a new series by Mr. Mayne because I love his Underwater Investigation Unit series, and also his Theo Cray and Jessica Blackwood series! Night Owl has a rapid pace and is filled with sabotage, assassins, missing data, security breaches, a missing engineer, a dead investor, and more. Too long out of a game he no longer understands, Trasker must adapt or die.
My only issue was with the descriptions that seemed to go on forever, as I felt my eyes glazing over. I believe I just wasn't the right audience for Night Owl. (Just call me Ms. Outlier!) I have to say, though, my favorite character, hands down, was Trasker's mom!!
Many thanks to both Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Night Owl, by Andrew Mayne.
March 4, 2024
This is the newest book out by Andrew Mayne, a spy thriller/adventure novel about retired CIA operative Brad Trasker. He crosses paths with genius aerospace CEO Kylie Connor and is quickly pulled into the thick of things when her newest invention explodes during launch, almost killing her. Is it an accident? Is it sabotage? As Brad investigates he begins to suspect a bigger conspiracy is at play, no one is safe, and he’s not sure who he can trust.
My rating: 3 stars (But really it’s about 3.5 if I could do partials.)
This book is exactly what you want from a spy thriller. It’s a fast and easy read, perfect for a day on the beach or your next plane flight. Sure, there’s plenty about the plot that stretches belief, but if you’re looking for a hyper-realistic book, then I’d argue spy thrillers aren’t the genre for you. I’ve given it 3 stars, but it’s a high 3, not a low – I enjoyed it and recommend it for anyone in the mood for a quick thriller.
My rating: 3 stars (But really it’s about 3.5 if I could do partials.)
This book is exactly what you want from a spy thriller. It’s a fast and easy read, perfect for a day on the beach or your next plane flight. Sure, there’s plenty about the plot that stretches belief, but if you’re looking for a hyper-realistic book, then I’d argue spy thrillers aren’t the genre for you. I’ve given it 3 stars, but it’s a high 3, not a low – I enjoyed it and recommend it for anyone in the mood for a quick thriller.
November 11, 2023
2023 reads, #87. Yet another Amazon "Prime Reads" crime thriller, and yet another disappointment, which has been par for the course with the two dozen other Prime Reads crime thrillers I've read over the last two years. Usually I spend some time detailing what went wrong in these books, as a way of sharpening my skills as an editor of other people's Kindle Unlimited crime thrillers; but I'm just not feeling it today, so I'm instead just going to post my disappointed score and call it a day.
November 7, 2023
Trasker, a retired spy, finds himself reluctantly reentering the espionage world following a violent incident at the launch of a new aircraft to which he was invited. Before he finds the culprit, he needs to uncover the motives behind the mysterious accident. The possibilities range from corporate espionage to revenge, though other undisclosed grounds cannot be ruled out. The complexity of the case is amplified by Trasker's distrust of Kylie Connor, the CEO of the aircraft company.
The story features a diverse cast of characters. The central figure, Brad Trasker, is past his prime. He is still proficient in spy craft yet his skills have rusted. The plot hinges on Trasker's adjustment to contemporary methods, setting the stage for a clash between the strengths and weaknesses of traditional practices and modern spy techniques. A recurring motif is his penchant for constructing mental memory palaces. Kylie emerges as a resilient and shrewd character, deftly navigating the male-dominated domain. But the one I liked the most is Trasker's mother, who injects an unexpected and delightful charm into the narrative. Overall, Mayne has skillfully crafted some complex characters with rich backstories, allowing readers to connect with their pasts.
The novel mostly maintains a high-octane pace characteristic of the spy thriller genre. It's rich with the expected elements, such as sabotage, the hunt for missing data, and the presence of professional assassins. Nevertheless, the narrative encounters moments where detailed descriptions impede the rapid tempo.
I think the plot's credibility would divide readers and, ultimately, determine their overall assessment. The premise, while undeniably captivating, leans towards the fantastic, which may test the limits of believability for some. However, the author's meticulous research and attention to detail in weaving the narrative help to mitigate the more extravagant aspects of the story.
In summary, fans of spy thrillers, especially those who enjoy stories of retired spies coming out of retirement to tackle high-stakes espionage cases, will find Andrew Mayne's Night Owl enjoyable.
Ava's Lit Life at Substack | Twitter/X | Instagram
The story features a diverse cast of characters. The central figure, Brad Trasker, is past his prime. He is still proficient in spy craft yet his skills have rusted. The plot hinges on Trasker's adjustment to contemporary methods, setting the stage for a clash between the strengths and weaknesses of traditional practices and modern spy techniques. A recurring motif is his penchant for constructing mental memory palaces. Kylie emerges as a resilient and shrewd character, deftly navigating the male-dominated domain. But the one I liked the most is Trasker's mother, who injects an unexpected and delightful charm into the narrative. Overall, Mayne has skillfully crafted some complex characters with rich backstories, allowing readers to connect with their pasts.
The novel mostly maintains a high-octane pace characteristic of the spy thriller genre. It's rich with the expected elements, such as sabotage, the hunt for missing data, and the presence of professional assassins. Nevertheless, the narrative encounters moments where detailed descriptions impede the rapid tempo.
I think the plot's credibility would divide readers and, ultimately, determine their overall assessment. The premise, while undeniably captivating, leans towards the fantastic, which may test the limits of believability for some. However, the author's meticulous research and attention to detail in weaving the narrative help to mitigate the more extravagant aspects of the story.
In summary, fans of spy thrillers, especially those who enjoy stories of retired spies coming out of retirement to tackle high-stakes espionage cases, will find Andrew Mayne's Night Owl enjoyable.
Ava's Lit Life at Substack | Twitter/X | Instagram
December 10, 2023
This is an outstanding story with something for everyone! Perhaps the best news is this is the first book in the
Trasker thriller series and Brad Trasker thought he had retired from the counterintelligence Spy game.
Because he was the best of the best he finds himself pulled back into something far more than he expected
or wanted to deal with, until a brilliant young woman who built a next generation aircraft finds herself and her project nearly destroyed. Someone, or some very bad people are bent on destroying both the CEO Kylie Connor, and the company she founded. An awful lot of hard work, money, and dedication has gone into her project and for an unknown reason is being sabotaged. An engineer dies, an investor dies under mysterious circumstances and
another is murdered. So, she brings Trasker on board, and just in time. No one is better at running a security and personal safety plan. Trying to find a motive is elusive - Kylie is the only successful engineering wonder and well backed CEO who has been successful, to a point, in getting her secret and experimental aircraft to be ready for test flight. But adversaries are trying to figure out why she’s having success elusive to others. They are willing to kill…
She must bring Trasker, with his extensive and well connected security and protection services to her company after the incident,,,
This story will keep the reader constantly thinking about who and why anyone would want to sabotage her life’s dream, and who would want to kill Trasker, and Kylie Unless he figures out the conspiracy they are all in danger.
I loved this book. I recommend it to readers who enjoy thriller/suspense with a touch of science fiction.
Trasker thriller series and Brad Trasker thought he had retired from the counterintelligence Spy game.
Because he was the best of the best he finds himself pulled back into something far more than he expected
or wanted to deal with, until a brilliant young woman who built a next generation aircraft finds herself and her project nearly destroyed. Someone, or some very bad people are bent on destroying both the CEO Kylie Connor, and the company she founded. An awful lot of hard work, money, and dedication has gone into her project and for an unknown reason is being sabotaged. An engineer dies, an investor dies under mysterious circumstances and
another is murdered. So, she brings Trasker on board, and just in time. No one is better at running a security and personal safety plan. Trying to find a motive is elusive - Kylie is the only successful engineering wonder and well backed CEO who has been successful, to a point, in getting her secret and experimental aircraft to be ready for test flight. But adversaries are trying to figure out why she’s having success elusive to others. They are willing to kill…
She must bring Trasker, with his extensive and well connected security and protection services to her company after the incident,,,
This story will keep the reader constantly thinking about who and why anyone would want to sabotage her life’s dream, and who would want to kill Trasker, and Kylie Unless he figures out the conspiracy they are all in danger.
I loved this book. I recommend it to readers who enjoy thriller/suspense with a touch of science fiction.
May 4, 2024
I was too tired after finishing book to say anything. Espionage is main thrust featuring man who knows his way around in this world and there are many hazards, pages and pages with lives at risk. Once started the book cannot be put down, so I didn't sleep the night I read this. I originally designated 2 stars but that would be unfair and inaccurate. It should please all those who like espionage.
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
January 10, 2024
My first experience with Andrew Mayne is a spy thriller. "Night Owl" did not disappoint. I don't read spy thrillers. I watch spy thriller movies. Reading "Night Owl" was my first experience with the author, my first time reading a spy thriller, and my first time reviewing a spy thriller book.
Plenty of reviewers have stated what the book is about, so I won't bore you with those details, but I will say what I love and didn't love so much about the book.
I love how the characters are opposite each other in an ageist way. One lacks modernization (Trasker), while the other (Connor) needs old-school lessons. No, the plot isn't believable, but name a spy thriller that is. Trasker utilizes a memory palace that associates memories with books he's read. Trasker's technique is a Holmesque way of memorization. While I loved the memory palace to begin with, it was brought up more than was necessary. I love the fast-paced tempo and the attention to detail. I love all of the twists and turns along the way. Best of all, a character is introduced that is even better than the main characters, and that is Trasker's mother. If there is a movie made or movies made of these books, I hope they keep that character, and true to how she is written.
Through the twists and turns, there seemed to be an obvious traitor, a mole. I kept hoping that I was wrong, but in the end, I wasn't. Perhaps I guessed correctly and couldn't shake it, or it was that transparent. At any rate, some twists and turns should keep you guessing. I enjoyed the book. I think I will give Mayne more chances in the future. If you love spy thrillers, characters you can relate to, and even secondary characters that bring the story to life, then this is the book for you. It is brilliantly written and I hope the next in the series is even better.
Plenty of reviewers have stated what the book is about, so I won't bore you with those details, but I will say what I love and didn't love so much about the book.
I love how the characters are opposite each other in an ageist way. One lacks modernization (Trasker), while the other (Connor) needs old-school lessons. No, the plot isn't believable, but name a spy thriller that is. Trasker utilizes a memory palace that associates memories with books he's read. Trasker's technique is a Holmesque way of memorization. While I loved the memory palace to begin with, it was brought up more than was necessary. I love the fast-paced tempo and the attention to detail. I love all of the twists and turns along the way. Best of all, a character is introduced that is even better than the main characters, and that is Trasker's mother. If there is a movie made or movies made of these books, I hope they keep that character, and true to how she is written.
Through the twists and turns, there seemed to be an obvious traitor, a mole. I kept hoping that I was wrong, but in the end, I wasn't. Perhaps I guessed correctly and couldn't shake it, or it was that transparent. At any rate, some twists and turns should keep you guessing. I enjoyed the book. I think I will give Mayne more chances in the future. If you love spy thrillers, characters you can relate to, and even secondary characters that bring the story to life, then this is the book for you. It is brilliantly written and I hope the next in the series is even better.
November 9, 2024
Rating: 3 stars
I've read and enjoyed several of Andrew Mayne's series. Although this one likely won't be one of my favorites, I still enjoyed it and look forward to reading the second Trasker book. I hope that Trasker's mother has a larger role in Death Stake (Trasker, #2).
SUMMARY: After three decades in counterintelligence, Brad Trasker is retired, disillusioned, and dealing with a tragic loss. Spy games are behind him until he attends the launch of a next-generation aircraft. When the project of innovative aerospace CEO Kylie Connor explodes on the tarmac―nearly killing her in the process―Trasker is pulled back into the line of fire. The mystery of the sabotage quickly deepens. All Kylie’s data has been wiped from the server. One of her engineers has disappeared. A seed investor has died in a suspicious car accident. And a cold-blooded murder raises the stakes even higher. To discover who’s pulling the strings behind a dangerous conspiracy, Trasker needs to find a motive. Corporate espionage, revenge, or something he can’t yet see? Targeted by assassins, he finds himself overmatched when he realizes he can’t trust anyone―including Kylie. Too long out of a game he no longer understands, Trasker must adapt or die.
I've read and enjoyed several of Andrew Mayne's series. Although this one likely won't be one of my favorites, I still enjoyed it and look forward to reading the second Trasker book. I hope that Trasker's mother has a larger role in Death Stake (Trasker, #2).
SUMMARY: After three decades in counterintelligence, Brad Trasker is retired, disillusioned, and dealing with a tragic loss. Spy games are behind him until he attends the launch of a next-generation aircraft. When the project of innovative aerospace CEO Kylie Connor explodes on the tarmac―nearly killing her in the process―Trasker is pulled back into the line of fire. The mystery of the sabotage quickly deepens. All Kylie’s data has been wiped from the server. One of her engineers has disappeared. A seed investor has died in a suspicious car accident. And a cold-blooded murder raises the stakes even higher. To discover who’s pulling the strings behind a dangerous conspiracy, Trasker needs to find a motive. Corporate espionage, revenge, or something he can’t yet see? Targeted by assassins, he finds himself overmatched when he realizes he can’t trust anyone―including Kylie. Too long out of a game he no longer understands, Trasker must adapt or die.
January 23, 2024
Mystery/Thriller
Andrew Mayne has become a must-read author for me. His books are intelligent, timely, engrossing, thoughtful and thought provoking.
Night Owl introduces a new series and some new kick-ass characters. He always has a strong, intelligent female protagonist, which I LOVE. In this case, Kylie Connor has risen in the ranks of aeronautical engineering and is about to introduce a hydrogen powered plane. A few years earlier, she met Brad Trasker, by chance. He has a background in spycraft. She invites him to the launch of her new venture.
Things go awry and Kylie hires Trasker to help with her new venture. Their pairing is a match made in fiction heaven. The story leads us through corporate espionage, cold war and political machinations and cutting-edge technology.
Mayne has figured out the formula for a good novel - start the book off with some kind of intense event and then keep the plot moving with the ensuing search, give us flawed characters that appeal to the everyman and use contemporary themes to create a smart thriller.
This was a great book and I'm looking forward to more from Mayne and the duo of Trasker and Connor.
Andrew Mayne has become a must-read author for me. His books are intelligent, timely, engrossing, thoughtful and thought provoking.
Night Owl introduces a new series and some new kick-ass characters. He always has a strong, intelligent female protagonist, which I LOVE. In this case, Kylie Connor has risen in the ranks of aeronautical engineering and is about to introduce a hydrogen powered plane. A few years earlier, she met Brad Trasker, by chance. He has a background in spycraft. She invites him to the launch of her new venture.
Things go awry and Kylie hires Trasker to help with her new venture. Their pairing is a match made in fiction heaven. The story leads us through corporate espionage, cold war and political machinations and cutting-edge technology.
Mayne has figured out the formula for a good novel - start the book off with some kind of intense event and then keep the plot moving with the ensuing search, give us flawed characters that appeal to the everyman and use contemporary themes to create a smart thriller.
This was a great book and I'm looking forward to more from Mayne and the duo of Trasker and Connor.
April 28, 2024
This book hooked me immediately! I love suspense and twists that I don’t see coming. This book had several. Just when I thought I had it figured out …. Nope! I was wrong! I started reading it just before supper and ended up taking it with me when we went out to supper - I could barely put it down! This is the first time in years that I’ve stayed up till 2 AM reading because I just couldn’t put a book down! Finished in less than a day; and can’t stop thinking about it. I’ll be reading other books from this author, for sure. I’m going to be counting down the days until the next book in this series is released. I. Can’t. Wait!
September 17, 2024
I liked this one. I found the star ratings interesting. People either loved it or hated it, not many in the middle.
December 18, 2023
3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2023/12/05/...
As an avid fan of Andrew Mayne, my enthusiasm led me to request his latest book Night Owl without looking too closely at its description. As a result, I was surprised to discover it was a spy thriller, a genre I typically don’t gravitate towards. Adjusting to this narrative distinct from the author’s usual over-the-top style was initially challenging and a bit jarring, admittedly, but ultimately I found Night Owl to be a solid addition to its genre.
The book follows Brad Trasker, a retired counterintelligence agent who, after spending decades in the field, finds himself jaded and disillusioned while dealing with the tragic loss of his son. He thought his days of playing spy games were long over, until he was invited to the launch of an experimental aircraft by a cutting-edge aerospace company headed by CEO Kylie Connor. During the launch, the aircraft explodes, causing much destruction to the launch area and nearly kills Kylie, leading Trasker to wonder: Was the explosion merely an unfortunate accident, or was it sabotage and directed assassination?
Suddenly, Traskerfinds himself pulled back into the dangerous world he thought he had left behind. The mystery surrounding the explosion quickly becomes more complex as it is discovered that all of Kylie’s precious research data has been tampered with, and one of her engineers goes missing. As the first bodies begin piling up, it is clear that both she and the future of her company are in jeopardy, targeted by an unknown enemy. To root out the mastermind behind this plot, Trasker must find out what they want with Kylie, even as the CEO herself becomes suspect.
Reading Night Owl was definitely a different experience coming from Mayne’s other works. That said, even as the novel adheres closely to the trajectory and tone of a conventional spy thriller, it still undoubtedly carries a bit of the author’s signature flair. For one, the action was nothing short of electrifying. Mayne masterfully crafts scenes that pulse with tension, putting his characters in situations that keep readers on the edge of their seats. He’s clearly adapted well to the genre, weaving intrigue into the fabric of the story, building it up layer by layer to create an atmosphere of suspense that lingers throughout.
Granted, many of these sequences are also handled with more solemnity and a self-possessed presence than I’m normally used to from Mayne’s previous books, though I believe this has a lot to do with Night Owl’s protagonist. Brad Trasker stands apart with a personality shaped by his many years working as a spy, and it reflects a mix of seasoned professionalism, resilience, and a haunted past. He takes his job seriously, carrying a certain world-weariness about him, having faced nearly everything the world of counterintelligence could throw his way. This in turn sets the tone for the novel, which exhibits the same sense of purpose shown by Trasker as he navigates the many challenges that arise through the story.
However, this does mean that Night Owl also has its share of obstacles, one of them being its unbalanced pacing. The story does take a while to hit its stride as the initial build-up feels a bit sluggish, with the intro sections of the novel making me wish it had a stronger and more immediate hook. Overall, it did strike me as lacking the usual pulse-quickening tempo that I’ve come to anticipate from Mayne.
But while Night Owl might have been a touch slow off the mark, once the plot finds its rhythm, the narrative chugs on, becoming an exciting blend of mystery, intrigue, and espionage that spycraft fans will find addictive. In the end, the novel shows off Andrew Mayne’s versatility and writing talents to deliver riveting action and well-crafted characters. Yes, the initial pacing might require a bit of patience, but the payoff’s well worth your time. Credit is also due to James Anderson Foster, the audiobook narrator whose performance and voice work greatly enhanced the listening experience.
As an avid fan of Andrew Mayne, my enthusiasm led me to request his latest book Night Owl without looking too closely at its description. As a result, I was surprised to discover it was a spy thriller, a genre I typically don’t gravitate towards. Adjusting to this narrative distinct from the author’s usual over-the-top style was initially challenging and a bit jarring, admittedly, but ultimately I found Night Owl to be a solid addition to its genre.
The book follows Brad Trasker, a retired counterintelligence agent who, after spending decades in the field, finds himself jaded and disillusioned while dealing with the tragic loss of his son. He thought his days of playing spy games were long over, until he was invited to the launch of an experimental aircraft by a cutting-edge aerospace company headed by CEO Kylie Connor. During the launch, the aircraft explodes, causing much destruction to the launch area and nearly kills Kylie, leading Trasker to wonder: Was the explosion merely an unfortunate accident, or was it sabotage and directed assassination?
Suddenly, Traskerfinds himself pulled back into the dangerous world he thought he had left behind. The mystery surrounding the explosion quickly becomes more complex as it is discovered that all of Kylie’s precious research data has been tampered with, and one of her engineers goes missing. As the first bodies begin piling up, it is clear that both she and the future of her company are in jeopardy, targeted by an unknown enemy. To root out the mastermind behind this plot, Trasker must find out what they want with Kylie, even as the CEO herself becomes suspect.
Reading Night Owl was definitely a different experience coming from Mayne’s other works. That said, even as the novel adheres closely to the trajectory and tone of a conventional spy thriller, it still undoubtedly carries a bit of the author’s signature flair. For one, the action was nothing short of electrifying. Mayne masterfully crafts scenes that pulse with tension, putting his characters in situations that keep readers on the edge of their seats. He’s clearly adapted well to the genre, weaving intrigue into the fabric of the story, building it up layer by layer to create an atmosphere of suspense that lingers throughout.
Granted, many of these sequences are also handled with more solemnity and a self-possessed presence than I’m normally used to from Mayne’s previous books, though I believe this has a lot to do with Night Owl’s protagonist. Brad Trasker stands apart with a personality shaped by his many years working as a spy, and it reflects a mix of seasoned professionalism, resilience, and a haunted past. He takes his job seriously, carrying a certain world-weariness about him, having faced nearly everything the world of counterintelligence could throw his way. This in turn sets the tone for the novel, which exhibits the same sense of purpose shown by Trasker as he navigates the many challenges that arise through the story.
However, this does mean that Night Owl also has its share of obstacles, one of them being its unbalanced pacing. The story does take a while to hit its stride as the initial build-up feels a bit sluggish, with the intro sections of the novel making me wish it had a stronger and more immediate hook. Overall, it did strike me as lacking the usual pulse-quickening tempo that I’ve come to anticipate from Mayne.
But while Night Owl might have been a touch slow off the mark, once the plot finds its rhythm, the narrative chugs on, becoming an exciting blend of mystery, intrigue, and espionage that spycraft fans will find addictive. In the end, the novel shows off Andrew Mayne’s versatility and writing talents to deliver riveting action and well-crafted characters. Yes, the initial pacing might require a bit of patience, but the payoff’s well worth your time. Credit is also due to James Anderson Foster, the audiobook narrator whose performance and voice work greatly enhanced the listening experience.
November 9, 2023
I had never heard of this author, but now I will be seeking more of his books because I really enjoyed this story. It was very clever and in places even funny. It was well-written and the characters were great. I never figured out who the bad guy was until he was about to get his comeuppance. And not one spelling or grammar mistake, which always annoys me. The main character, Brad Trasker (just the name he goes by) is not your average fictional character. He’s a former Marine who, when he left the service, started working in Intelligence, but has since retired. Now he’s bored. He meets a young woman, Kylie, who is a developer of hydrogen plane engines. She’s kind of like an Elon Musk-type genius, only she’s not an asshole. She’s having all kinds of problems at her company and asks Brad to help her out. Brad is also kind of a genius and likes her, so he sets to work. This was a page-turner and, although it was full of things I know nothing about, the author gave enough information so I at least had the gist of what was going on. I really enjoyed this story. My absolute favorite part was Brad’s telephone call with his mother. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.
November 16, 2023
Finished reading: November 14th 2023
"You always have to be somebody's hero. What you don't realize is this isn't a game for heroes."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
June 7, 2023
A spy story wasn’t in the vein of previous books I’d read by this author. He’s done an awesome job with this beginning of a new series. Kylie is the young, smart head of an Aerospace technology company developing a revolutionary plane design. The launch is imminent when data disappears, an engineer is missing and an investor dies. Brad Trasker’s skills are what Kylie needs to figure out if something sinister is afoot. Is the competition trying to sabotage her design, steal the plans or remove her from the field? Could it be a traitor inside her own company? It’s a field dominated by men and millions are at stake. She would lose everything if the project fails. The operations, including massive hangars, are in the vast Mojave dessert. Security is crucial and nobody is above suspicion.
Trasker has experience in intelligence and uses an interesting technique to remember details. It took me awhile to grasp the skill. He’s been out of the game for awhile and the rules have changed. He has to adjust or won’t survive, much less keep his client safe. The plot is ceaseless action loaded with bombs, snipers, bullets and assassins. No one can be trusted and liars abound. I had high expectations from the author and he surpassed them all. It was a fantastic plot with everything I could wish for in an action thriller. I would positively read more in this series.
Sincere thanks to NetGalley for the digital advance reader copy of “Night Owl” a Trasker Thriller, by Andrew Mayne, Published by Thomas & Mercer. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.
Trasker has experience in intelligence and uses an interesting technique to remember details. It took me awhile to grasp the skill. He’s been out of the game for awhile and the rules have changed. He has to adjust or won’t survive, much less keep his client safe. The plot is ceaseless action loaded with bombs, snipers, bullets and assassins. No one can be trusted and liars abound. I had high expectations from the author and he surpassed them all. It was a fantastic plot with everything I could wish for in an action thriller. I would positively read more in this series.
Sincere thanks to NetGalley for the digital advance reader copy of “Night Owl” a Trasker Thriller, by Andrew Mayne, Published by Thomas & Mercer. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.
December 13, 2023
Night Owl is the first book in a new series titled Trasker. I am a big fan of Andrew Mayne and was very grateful to be given the opportunity to read the ARC. This is a fantastic, riveting action packed book.
Brad Trasker is a retired spy dealing with the loss of his son, Jason. When he goes to retrieve his son's vehicle, he gets a flat tire and meet Kylie Conner who stops to help. Later he gets an invite form Kylie to attend the launch of her new aircraft. An act of sabotage pulls Trasker out of retirement and he begins to work with Kylie to discover who is responsible.
This is an intense story that takes the reader along for a thrilling ride that does not let the reader down. I highly recommend this story and will be waiting for the next installment in the series.
I received an ACR from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
Brad Trasker is a retired spy dealing with the loss of his son, Jason. When he goes to retrieve his son's vehicle, he gets a flat tire and meet Kylie Conner who stops to help. Later he gets an invite form Kylie to attend the launch of her new aircraft. An act of sabotage pulls Trasker out of retirement and he begins to work with Kylie to discover who is responsible.
This is an intense story that takes the reader along for a thrilling ride that does not let the reader down. I highly recommend this story and will be waiting for the next installment in the series.
I received an ACR from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
April 14, 2024
3.75 stars
A good start to a new series. I felt like I got to know Brad Trasker pretty darn well for just the span of one book - and that's an impressive thing to accomplish already in the first book.
Best side character award goes to Trasker's mom, by the way!
I liked all the tactical thinking that went into the whole "former spy" persona of Trasker. The plot was also really compelling, but the book did not fully have the same sort of electric, exciting energy that I've found in other books by Andrew Mayne.
Don't get me wrong! It was still really good. Just maybe not quite the adrenaline kick I expected (and wanted).
I will however surely tag along if/when the second book shows up, no doubt about that.
A good start to a new series. I felt like I got to know Brad Trasker pretty darn well for just the span of one book - and that's an impressive thing to accomplish already in the first book.
Best side character award goes to Trasker's mom, by the way!
I liked all the tactical thinking that went into the whole "former spy" persona of Trasker. The plot was also really compelling, but the book did not fully have the same sort of electric, exciting energy that I've found in other books by Andrew Mayne.
Don't get me wrong! It was still really good. Just maybe not quite the adrenaline kick I expected (and wanted).
I will however surely tag along if/when the second book shows up, no doubt about that.
February 6, 2024
Night Owl: A Trasker Thriller Book1
A very intriguing mystery! If subsequent books in this series are equally gripping, I'll be reading them all. Of course, I generally read every book Andrew Mayne writes, but I really like the main character, 'Brad' Trasker. To me, he is the epitome of an undercover operative. However, he doesn't act like it. I would be reading along, then I'd realized he's just put things in motion that I didn't see coming. The 'mission' involves a top secret aircraft and a young billionaire whose company and life may be at stake. The story never drags and brings in plenty of intrigue. The audible performance by James Anderson Foster is excellent. -Mr.Bill
A very intriguing mystery! If subsequent books in this series are equally gripping, I'll be reading them all. Of course, I generally read every book Andrew Mayne writes, but I really like the main character, 'Brad' Trasker. To me, he is the epitome of an undercover operative. However, he doesn't act like it. I would be reading along, then I'd realized he's just put things in motion that I didn't see coming. The 'mission' involves a top secret aircraft and a young billionaire whose company and life may be at stake. The story never drags and brings in plenty of intrigue. The audible performance by James Anderson Foster is excellent. -Mr.Bill
July 5, 2025
A fast paced book at first involving the destruction of a prototype aircraft. The pace slowed and became disjointed and finally picked up.
We follow a super spy in Brad Trasker who uses Memory Palaces as a spy super power. He is all action with very little personality. Billionaire Kylie Connors is much more interesting.
As I went through the book I kept thinking there is nothing new here, it has all been done before.
The writing is competent but not enough to continue with the series and probably the author.
We follow a super spy in Brad Trasker who uses Memory Palaces as a spy super power. He is all action with very little personality. Billionaire Kylie Connors is much more interesting.
As I went through the book I kept thinking there is nothing new here, it has all been done before.
The writing is competent but not enough to continue with the series and probably the author.
February 12, 2024
New Series; Great Start
This is 4.5 stars. At least I’m stingy with my stars. Definitely a thriller. But subtle. I was never afraid. I was often stressed to the point of needing a break from the story! Well crafted. Really interesting information about security and behind-the-scenes puppet masters. Can’t wait for the next one! P. S. I love this author’s balance in terms of male/female genders!
This is 4.5 stars. At least I’m stingy with my stars. Definitely a thriller. But subtle. I was never afraid. I was often stressed to the point of needing a break from the story! Well crafted. Really interesting information about security and behind-the-scenes puppet masters. Can’t wait for the next one! P. S. I love this author’s balance in terms of male/female genders!
June 8, 2025
3.5. Bumped up in the rating as I am such a huge Mayne fan. If you are new to Mayne I suggest reading his Naturalist series as those are amazing. This one wasn’t the read still good but I found Brad a less analytical character than Mayne’s usual. Also would have liked more info on his mom. It’s a good spy thriller and lots of action and strategy which Mayne is so good at.
February 26, 2024
This was quite the interesting book. It left me wondering just who was behind all the bad stuff. Even after they had everything all figured out, there is just the hint of doubt. I suspect this all that is necessary for a follow on story.
April 20, 2024
I don't usually read spy books, but this was kind of fun. The subterfuge from all sides kept the reader on their toes! There were no sudden obvious changes in character just to to provide a surprise ending, but no characters we're totally reliable at all all the way through.
Good book
Good book
November 10, 2023
So much happening! New series and I for one am hooked. I loved his UWI and Theo and Jessica series. This one is a different background, scenario but still with the Andrew Mayne twists and insights, the tidbits of information that make you wonder is this part pulled from reality and oh so much more. I had to reread several times the scenes where Trasker uses books or scenarios to remember people and situations. To my simple mind I was lost. I was intrigued and sucked up into the whirlwind of Traskers past life, his losses and want to be in on the next book. Kylie was the lightness to in this twisted read and man oh man towards the end there, I thought for sure there was a mistake in calling this book 1. I am sooooo happy to have another Andrew Mayne series that entertains my mind, my emotions and my feelings. Thank you for the arc. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #NightOwl #Trasker #AndrewMayne #ThomasandMercer #NetGalley
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